How does a 3D garage configurator work? See how it streamlines sales and design

The steel, sheet-metal, and modular garage industry is growing rapidly. More and more individual and business customers are investing in ready-made structures that are quick to assemble and cost-effective. At the same time, user expectations are rising significantly, they want not only to order a finished product but also to have a real say in its layout and appearance. This includes both practical aspects (e.g., where the doors or windows should be placed) and aesthetic choices (color, roof type).

In this context, a 3D garage configurator is no longer a novelty, it's becoming a tool that truly supports sales. It allows customers to design their garage on their own - from dimensions, through gates, to colors and add-ons. As a result, the purchasing process becomes faster, more transparent, and more engaging.

Companies that implement 3D configurators gain a competitive advantage, especially if they offer custom-made products or a wide variety of options. Moreover, these solutions can be tailored to the company's technical capabilities, it doesn't always have to be a fully interactive 3D model with real-time rendering. Simpler versions based on parametric models or layered visualizations are also possible.

In the next section, we'll explore which elements a 3D garage configurator can handle and what benefits it brings to both the customer and the manufacturer.

What can a 3D garage configurator include?

A well-designed 3D garage configurator should be above all functional and easy to use for the end customer. The goal is not to create a hyper-realistic model for engineers, but a clear and intuitive tool that lets users configure a garage based on their needs and see the results of their changes in real time.

Here are the most common (and implementable) configuration elements:

Garage dimensions

• length, width, side wall height,
• height differences for sloped roofs (e.g. 2.30 m in the front, 2.10 m in the back),
• optional dimension limits (e.g. maximum width adjusted to transport logistics).

Dimensions can be entered using sliders or numeric input fields with validation.

Roof type

• single- or double-pitched roof,
• roof slope direction (front-to-back or side-to-side),
• hip or flat roof options (for modern garages),
• optional features: eaves, roof extension, gutters.

The 3D preview should dynamically reflect changes in the roof shape when the type is modified.

Colors (walls, roof, gate, doors)

• color selection from RAL or company palette (e.g. 10-20 most popular choices),
• separate color settings for roof, walls, gate, and trims,
• option to apply two-tone combinations (e.g. contrasting roof color),
• changes instantly visible in the 3D model.

Garage door and entry door types and placement

• choose garage door type (tilt-up, sectional, double),
• add single or double entry doors,
• define door and gate placement on the wall (e.g. left/right shift),
• adjust threshold height and opening direction.

Extras: windows, skylights, ventilation

• add one or more windows (with adjustable positioning),
• types: tilt, sliding, frosted,
• roof skylights - select number and length,
• optional ventilation grilles, shutters, etc.

Each element can have its own set of parameters (size, position, color) or be based on predefined options.

3D rotation and preview

• ability to rotate the model 360°, zoom in and out,
• view from multiple angles (e.g. corner, side, top),
• highlight selected elements during configuration (e.g. flashing roof when user selects roof type).

Dynamic pricing and summary

• price updates automatically with every change,
• option to download a PDF with full specs: model, dimensions, extras, gross/net price,
• "save configuration" or "send inquiry" options available.

Predefined templates

• option to prepare ready-made garage templates in advance,
• customers can choose a template and customize it to their needs,
• greatly reduces the need to build every configuration from scratch.

This is especially important for customers who don't make decisions right away and want to return to their version later or consult it with a contractor. Many users prefer to explore and analyze the purchase before initiating contact - a configurator helps solve that problem.

What does garage configuration look like from the customer's perspective?

To better understand how a 3D garage configurator works in practice, it's worth looking at the process through the eyes of a potential customer. A person visiting the website of a manufacturer or distributor is usually looking for something specific - a garage of certain dimensions, with a door on the left side, and in colors matching their house facade. If they receive an intuitive tool that lets them "build" such a garage without having to talk to a sales rep, the risk of abandoning the purchase process drops significantly.

Scenario: an individual customer planning to purchase a garage

1. Opening the configurator page
   • The user lands on the site via an ad or blog post.
   • They open the configurator, which immediately displays a base model (e.g., a simple single-car garage).
2. Setting dimensions
   • The customer sets the length to 6 meters, width to 3 meters, and wall height to 2.5 meters.
   • The model automatically resizes.
3. Selecting the roof type
   • The customer changes the roof from single-pitched to gable.
   • The visualization updates smoothly, showing new slopes and the ridge line.
4. Color customization
   • The customer selects a graphite roof, dark walnut walls, and a white garage door.
   • The model updates visually after each change.
5. Adding doors and gates
   • Instead of the default up-and-over gate, the customer selects a horizontal-panel sectional door.
   • They add an entry door on the left side, placing it by clicking the appropriate area on the model.
6. Add-ons
   • They add two tilt windows on the right wall.
   • They select gutters and a roof skylight as optional features.
7. 3D preview and rotation
   • The user rotates the model 360°, views it from the side and top.
   • They check if the proportions match their property layout.
8. Summary and pricing
   • They see an automatically calculated price with itemized costs: base structure, extras, VAT.
   • They can download a PDF with the visualization, technical drawing, and full specification.
   • They also have the option to "save configuration" or "schedule a call."

What matters from a UX perspective?

• No overload of options - just enough to guide the user.
• Fast model response - no delays, instant feedback is key.
• Edit anytime - the user should never feel stuck or forced to restart.
• User-friendly language and icons - not every customer knows technical terms.

This scenario - though simplified, shows that a well-designed configurator can replace many steps of a traditional sales process. It works not only as a visual tool, but also as a digital assistant that guides the user step by step.

What are the benefits of a 3D configurator? Customer and manufacturer in sync

A 3D garage configurator is more than just a marketing gadget or a visual bonus. It's a feature that changes the way purchasing decisions are made and streamlines the work of manufacturers and sales teams. It brings real benefits to both sides of the buying process - the customer and the seller.

Benefits for the customer

From the customer's perspective, especially for individuals - buying a garage can feel overwhelming. Not everyone can read technical drawings, imagine a specific construction size, or visualize color combinations. A 3D configurator removes many of these barriers.

Here are the key benefits for users:

• Better understanding of the product before purchase - the customer sees exactly what they're ordering, from every angle and in full scale.
• Personalization without a sales rep - they can adjust dimensions, colors, roof type, doors, and accessories on their own.
• Lower risk of mistakes - the visualization helps avoid misunderstandings ("I thought the door would be on the other side").
• Higher engagement - the user "creates" their product, which builds an emotional connection.
• Instant pricing and summary - no need to wait for an emailed quote, they can make a decision right away.
• Option to return to the configuration later - for example, after discussing it with family or a contractor.

Importantly, even less tech-savvy users can easily operate this kind of configurator provided the design is simple and intuitive.

Benefits for manufacturers and distributors

For garage manufacturers, a 3D configurator is more than just a flashy website feature, it's a tool that directly supports sales, logistics, and customer service.

Here are the key areas where a configurator brings value:

• Automated quoting - no more manual calculations of dimensions, accessories, and pricing. The customer receives a full PDF spec sheet on their own.
• Time savings for sales teams - fewer generic inquiries like "a simple garage with the roof sloped right", and more pre-qualified leads who already have their specs and are ready to buy.
• Fewer mistakes and complaints - visual configuration reduces the risk of wrong assumptions or unmet expectations.
• A 24/7 sales funnel - customers can "design" their garage in the evening or on weekends without having to contact a rep.
• Integration with production or ERP systems - configurator data can flow directly into the order management system.
• Customer preference insights - analyze the most common choices (like popular colors or layouts). In the future, this data can help create ready-made templates or shape data-driven marketing strategies.

What's more, the configurator itself can act as a lead generation tool - just offer users the option to save their design via email, and you collect contact details from genuinely interested buyers.

Can any manufacturer implement a 3D garage configurator?

Contrary to popular belief, creating a 3D configurator isn't reserved only for large companies with massive budgets. While a full-scale 3D visualization with detailed models, animations, and complex dependencies may require more investment, a functional and well-designed configurator can also be implemented by smaller manufacturers working with modular or prefab production models.

The key question isn't: "Can I afford it?" but rather: "Can my offer be parameterized?" If the answer is yes - you already have the foundation for building a configurator.

Here's what you should have or prepare before implementation:

• Range of product dimensions
  Example: length from 3 m to 9 m in 0.5 m steps, width 2.5-5 m, height 2-3 m. The more standardized your modules, the easier it is to apply logical rules.
• List of structural variants and add-ons
  Roof type, gate type, available colors, windows, doors, accessories - ideally in a table or predefined options list.
• Clear pricing structure
  Even a simplified formula based on surface area and selected features is enough to enable dynamic pricing.
• Basic images or 3D models
  They don't have to be photorealistic. A simple CAD model or technical sketch will suffice as a starting point.
• Decision on where the configurator will be used
  Options: on a website (landing page), internally by sales reps, in an e-commerce store (e.g., WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento), or within a B2B platform.

What types of configurators are possible?

Implementing a configurator doesn't have to be a one-time, large-scale project. You can start step by step, expanding it as needed:

• Stage 1: MVP
  A configurator with simple visualization (e.g. 2D or renders from three angles), dimension and option selection, and dynamic pricing.
• Stage 2: 3D model with rotation
  Enables full preview of the structure and colors, with real-time updates for every change.
• Stage 3: Integration with production system
  Once the configuration is approved, the data is sent to the ERP or CRM system, enabling fast quoting or production.

Companies that manufacture garages using standard modules and repeatable components are ideal candidates for a configurator, especially when orders differ only in the combination of those same elements.

How does WebMakers build 3D configurators for garage manufacturers?

At WebMakers, we've been designing custom web applications and configurators for companies in the construction, furniture, and e-commerce sectors for years. A 3D garage configurator is one of the most practical uses of online visualization technology, so we've developed a process that adjusts the level of complexity to the actual needs of our clients.

What does collaboration look like step by step?

1. Identifying your needs
   • We start with a meeting or workshop to understand your product offer, order structure, and operations.
   • We assess whether your garage variants can be translated into configurator logic (e.g. standard sets, constraints, dependency rules).
2. UX and feature design
   • We design the interface structure so the end customer can go through the configuration process easily and intuitively.
   • We make sure users understand what they're choosing and see those choices reflected in the model.
3. Selecting 3D technology
   • We select the rendering tools - depending on project complexity, platform, and expectations (e.g. performance, mobile, AR).
   • It's also possible to start with a 2D configurator and later expand it into a 3D version.
4. Implementing logic and pricing
   • We add all the rules for product variants, dynamic pricing, and features like PDF export or order forwarding.
   • Integration with your CRM, ERP, WooCommerce or sales system is also possible.
5. Testing and deployment
   • The configurator is tested on desktop and mobile devices.
   • You can place it on a product page, landing page, or internal sales tool for your team.

What makes our approach stand out?

• we design custom-built solutions, not based on templates,
• we have a powerful configurator engine that allows us to deliver a working product even on a limited budget,
• we're a technology team with experience in modular product development,
• we focus not just on appearance, but also on sales logic, automation, and long-term scalability.

Summary

If you manufacture sheet metal, steel, modular garages, or similar structures—and want to increase sales, shorten customer service time, and stand out in the market—a 3D configurator could become your strongest asset.

This solution:

• helps customers make decisions more easily,
• automates part of the sales process,
• reduces errors and misunderstandings,
• grabs attention and builds a professional brand image.

WebMakers will help you design and implement a 3D configurator tailored to your product, workflow, and audience.

Book a free consultation and find out if your business is ready for the configuration of the future: https://webmakers.expert/en/industries/ecommerce/product-configurator

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